Ceremonial launch of the World Heritage Convention 40th anniversary year

The official ceremony for the launch of the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention will take place on 30 January 2012, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, room I, at 8 p.m, in the presence of UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Jazz legend Herbie Hancock, recently appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, will address the public and perform a concert playing with artists Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, Steve Brown and Manu Katché. This private event will be presented by Master of Ceremonies Ariel Wizman.

Throughout the event, the history of the Convention will be retraced through original video clips, from the context of its creation to the diversity of the sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. Threats to sites and success stories will be highlighted. This will be a special event involving Permanent Delegations to UNESCO, high profile personalities, UNESCO’s institutional and private sector partners, the media and members of the public who are passionate about World Heritage and its preservation.